Finicky Eaters: What to Do When Kids Won't Eat : Book Review

"Finicky Eaters" by Lori Ernsperger provides a practical and insightful guide for parents and caregivers dealing with picky eaters. Ernsperger, a behavioral analyst, offers strategies and techniques to help parents understand and address the root causes of picky eating, while also creating a positive mealtime environment.

The book begins by explaining the different reasons why children become picky eaters, including sensory sensitivities, limited food preferences, and control issues. Ernsperger then provides practical tips for addressing each of these issues. She emphasizes the importance of establishing a structured mealtime routine, offering a variety of foods, and gradually introducing new flavors and textures.

One of the standout features of this book is the step-by-step guide for implementing a comprehensive food program. Ernsperger offers specific strategies like food chaining and food play to expand a child's palate and increase their openness to trying new foods. These strategies are explained clearly and accompanied by real-life examples, making it easy for parents to put them into practice.

Ernsperger also addresses the emotional aspect of picky eating, discussing the significance of patience, positive reinforcement, and communication. She provides helpful techniques for reducing mealtime stress and empowering children to develop a healthier relationship with food.

Overall, "Finicky Eaters" is a valuable resource for parents and caregivers struggling with picky eaters. Ernsperger's expertise as a behavioral analyst shines through, offering practical solutions and insightful explanations of the underlying causes behind picky eating. With its clear and actionable advice, this book is sure to help parents transform mealtimes from a source of frustration into a positive and enjoyable experience.

What are readers saying?

Lori Ernsperger's book, "Finicky Eaters," has garnered a mixed response from readers. The book delves into the topic of selective eating in children and aims to provide an understanding of this complex issue. Here is a summary of the various reviews:

1. Positive reviews: Many readers found "Finicky Eaters" to be an informative and valuable resource in comprehending the challenges of dealing with selective eating. They appreciated the practical strategies and techniques offered by the author, which proved beneficial for their own children. These reviewers lauded Ernsperger for her empathetic writing style and pragmatic approach.

2. Negative reviews: Some readers expressed disappointment with the book, stating that it failed to present any novel information or solutions. They felt that the book lacked depth and heavily relied on commonly known facts about feeding difficulties. Additionally, a few readers found the writing style to be repetitive and unstimulating.

3. Personal anecdotes: A number of reviewers found the inclusion of personal stories and experiences in "Finicky Eaters" to be a positive aspect. They considered these anecdotes relatable and appreciated the personal touch it added to the book. The real-life examples helped readers connect with the author's perspective and made the content more engaging.

4. Lack of scientific evidence: Concerns were raised by a few readers regarding the absence of scientific evidence and research-based approaches in the book. They felt that Ernsperger's advice was solely based on personal opinions and experiences rather than being grounded in scientific findings. This led these readers to question the credibility of the book.

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